It’s Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK – May 13th-19th

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I love what they are doing in the UK for mental health. I wish they would do more in the United States. Maybe they could collaborate together so we can end the stigma of mental health, suicide and addiction that continues to fester our world and greatly interferes with the recovery of people who live with mental illness.

Always remember…

“Mental illness is NOTHING to be ashamed of. Give them back their shame. It’s not ours to bear. It’s theirs. They can have it. We are not ashamed.” ~Susan Walz

The first week of October is Mental Health Awareness week in the United States. NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness. Each year, we educate the public, fight stigma and provide support. And each year, our movement grows stronger.

We all need to work together to end this grotesquely awful thing called stigma once and for all.

I believe stigma continues to destroy lives more than the actual mental illness.

The Duke of Cambridge has teamed up with stars including Katy Perry and Stephen Fry to record a special radio message marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The minute-long message, also featuring Jameela Jamil and Alesha Dixon, highlights the value of listening to a friend in need.

It will be broadcast at 10.59am simultaneously across hundreds of UK radio stations on Monday.

The five have come together to talk about the value of listening and the positive role it can play in our mental health.

Their message will emphasise the importance of talking about mental health, how listening cannot be underestimated, and how each and every one of us has the power to make a difference.

Led by Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, and working with Heads Together, the mental health campaign spearheaded by the duke’s Royal Foundation, the message will mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week and Radio Audio Week.

The message comes days after the launch of the Heads Together legacy project, Shout, a free 24/7 crisis text service being delivered by Mental Health Innovations.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is body image after a new survey found that one in five UK adults had felt shame because of their body image in the last year.

Prince William and stars including Katy Perry called on Britain to “stop and listen” today in a radio message about the importance of listening to a friend in need.

The 60-second message was broadcast simultaneously across more than 300 UK radio stations at 10.59am today, reaching 20 million listeners.

Prince William said: “Being able to talk about how you’re feeling is essential for keeping mentally fit and healthy. So maybe now is the time for us to stop and to really listen. And each and every one of us has the power to make a difference to someone.”

The broadcast started with singer Alesha Dixon saying: “Are you listening, are you really listening? Answer these questions out loud. What does S-H-O-P spell? And what do you do at a green light? Stop or should you go on green

After “S-H-O-P” is spelt out, many people say “stop” rather than “go” when asked the green light question

The message continued with fellow singer Perry saying: “I mean, I’d say ‘stop’ — most people do. So while we are listening, we’re not really listening.”

Actress Jameela Jamil then said: “We do it all the time. Life can just get too busy.”

Stephen Fry added: “It can indeed. But there are people out there desperate to be heard. And you can help by taking the time to listen. Even if you’re a prince,” leading in to Prince William’s message.

The broadcast, marking the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, is a collaboration between Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, and Heads Together, the mental health campaign spearheaded by the Royal Foundation — the charitable vehicle for Prince William and Prince Harry, and their wives Kate and Meghan.

Last week the quartet launched a campaign to find 3,000 volunteers to support those with mental health problems via a free 24/7 text service called Shout.

Lorraine Heggessey, chief executive of the Royal Foundation, said: “When it comes to mental health, having someone there to listen and make you feel heard can make a profound difference. Whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, support service or mental health professional, the power of listening cannot be underestimated.

“That’s what the mental health minute is all about. We are so grateful to be working with Radiocentre to remind everyone of the power of listening, and let them know about the plethora of mental health volunteering opportunities they can get involved with.”

Siobhan Kenny, chief executive at Radiocentre, said: “We’re really proud to be bringing radio together for a second year, encouraging everyone to support each other. We can’t wait to hear how everyone responds to it.”

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Published by my loud whispers of hope

I share my story openly and honestly to educate others and increase the awareness of mental illness, reduce stigma, prevent suicide, to inspire, give hope and let God's love shine through me and touch you.
I finished writing, proofreading and editing my memoir in January of 2019. I am in the process of sending my manuscript to agents and publishers that accept unsolicited maunscripts. I pray my words will turn into a book that will inspire and spark joy and hope in the lives of many. Recovery and healing are possible. I am living proof.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." ~Maya Angelou
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